‘New Girl’ Season 3: Damon Wayans Jr.’s “Coach” to Return!

Out of the ashes of 'Happy Endings' official cancellation depriving us of future hilarity, one major bright spot has emerged. Initially appearing in the 'New Girl' pilot before 'Happy Endings' was renewed for a second season, Damon Wayans Jr. will reprise his role as Coach for a "significant" 'New Girl' season 3 arc this fall.

TVLine first reported that Wayans Jr. was nearing completion of a deal to return, following the recent lapse of Sony TV's contractual hold on the 'Happy Endings' cast. For those unfamiliar with the character, Wayans Jr.'s "Coach" had originally been the 'New Girl' loft's third roommate before Jess (Zooey Deschanel) moved in. 'Happy Endings' unexpected season 2 renewal took Wayans out of 'New Girl,' thereafter replaced by Lamorne Morris' character Winston, while Coach was referenced occasionally throughout the first two seasons.

Working together on 'Let's Be Cops,' series star Jake Johnson (Nick Miller) told TVLine previously that the cast would love to integrate Wayans back into 'New Girl' following the demise of 'Happy Endings.' “I would be surprised if he doesn’t come back for a while," said Johnson. "There would be such funny episodes with the Coach seeing what’s happened in the past two years since he’s [been] gone.”

So, will Coach look to oust Winston from his old spot, or could there be a more permanent place for Damon Wayans Jr. in 'New Girl' season 3? New episodes will premiere on Tuesday, September 17, so give us your season 3 predictions for 'New Girl' in the comments!